Member Articles

My Big Career Transition

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Self-Employment

Fast forward two more years, and I have been self-employed, successfully (knock on wood) for two full years. I have a string of steady clients, and enjoy great flexibility in my work schedule. I pick up my kids from school every day. I run three-to-five miles a day. I work in my local coffee shop on my laptop. And I still hire someone to clean my house. It is a privilege and a blessing.

It occurs to me that I have undergone a complete transformation from the woman who was overwhelmed with three small children, who didn’t have anybody to talk to about books. I never would have predicted, ten years ago, that not only would I be the primary breadwinner for myself and the children, but also that I would own my own business…successfully. Combining a career with parenthood is difficult under the best of circumstances. But I am here to tell you that it is possible to create a career out of the seed of an idea that you harbor and nurture while you work, sometimes at jobs you hate, planning for the time when you can start your dream career. You can find health insurance, an accountant, a website designer, a logo designer, and clients. I think you just have to be desperate enough and foolish enough and brave enough to do it.

You are an inspiration! I'm turning in my notice this very minute!
Well, maybe not...but I am going to reawaken my dream of working at home writing and editing health-related materials.
Thank you for sharing your story!
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